PhD in Electromechanical Control of Directional Cell Migration in the Intestine
Explore the electromechanical mechanisms guiding intestinal cell migration through interdisciplinary research in France and China.
Best for:Best for biology PhD candidates with a strong background in cellular or mechanobiology, interested in interdisciplinary research combining biology, physics, and bioengineering.
Overview
This PhD position at the Centre for Integrative Biology (CBI) in Toulouse, France, focuses on unravelling how electromechanical signals direct cell migration in the intestinal epithelium. The project combines expertise from the Gut Development and Homeostasis team at CBI and Westlake University in China, offering a unique international collaboration. The successful candidate will conduct research at both institutions, integrating intestinal epithelial biology in Toulouse with advanced techniques in bioelectric measurements, microfluidics, and quantitative mechanics at Westlake. This opportunity is part of the BEST Doctoral Programme at the University of Toulouse and is funded under Horizon Europe’s COFUND scheme. Applicants should be passionate about interdisciplinary biological research and eager to contribute to advancing our understanding of cellular dynamics in health and disease.
What you'll do
- Conduct research on the electromechanical mechanisms controlling directional cell migration in the intestinal epithelium.
- Develop and apply advanced techniques in bioelectric measurements, microfluidics, and quantitative epithelial mechanics.
- Collaborate with international partners at Westlake University, China, to integrate complementary expertise in mechanobiology and epithelial biology.
- Publish findings in high-impact scientific journals and present research at national and international conferences.
- Participate in interdisciplinary training programs within the BEST Doctoral Programme at the University of Toulouse.
- Undertake research periods at Westlake University, with duration and organization tailored to scientific needs.
Requirements
Degree required: Master's degree or equivalent in Biological Sciences, Biophysics, Biomedical Engineering, or a related field
Degree offered: PhD
Language: English; excellent proficiency (equivalent to IELTS 7.0 or TOEFL 90)
Instruction: English
- Proven research experience in cellular or mechanobiology
- Familiarity with bioelectric measurements and microfluidic techniques
- Strong background in molecular biology or related disciplines
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English
- Ability to work collaboratively in an international research environment
- Applicants must meet the eligibility criteria for the Horizon Europe COFUND BEST Doctoral Programme
- No specific nationality restrictions, but compliance with EU funding regulations may apply
- Applicants must not have resided or carried out their main activity (e.g., work, studies) in France for more than 12 months in the 3 years prior to the recruitment date
Funding & terms
How to apply
Deadline: 2026-11-23 (UTC)
Applicants must apply through the official BEST Doctoral Programme portal. The application process involves submitting a CV, a cover letter outlining research interests and motivation, academic transcripts, and two letters of recommendation. Detailed instructions and the application form are available on the CBI Toulouse website. Ensure all eligibility criteria are met before applying.
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Cover letter detailing research interests and motivation
- Academic transcripts (Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees)
- Two letters of recommendation
- Proof of English proficiency (if applicable)
Contact
Centre for Integrative Biology (CBI) Toulouse· PhD Programme Coordinator
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